Spinning Gum

When young, this Eucalyptus bears beautiful small round leaves arranged around each stem - popular among florists - which, when they reach maturity, spin on the stem giving this tree its common name. Its mature leaves are long, thin, drooping and shaped like sickles. Its smooth bark sheds in short ribbons, often gathered and used as kindling for fires. It is fast growing, up to 80-90cm per year. Best planted as a grove in a large area, Eucalyptus perriniana is ideal as a coppiced or pollarded tree so you can really appreciate its quirky foliage each year.

Site: Requires shelter from coastal winds
Soil: Prefers well drained, tolerates damp
Position: Full sun
Season of Interest: Evergreen, summer flowers, coppice
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 30ft (9m) Spread: 20ft (6m)